When it comes to interior design, few things feel worse than investing in a pattern that looks dated within a few years. The good news? Some patterns never go out of style.

• Nadine Sakr, principal designer of Nadine Interiors in Oakville, Ont.

• Keely Gow, designer and co-founder of JK Studio in Muskoka, Ont.

The word “timeless” is tossed around a lot in the design world. From paint colours to furnishings to materials, we all want our beloved investments (AKA our homes) to stand the test of time. But in practice, how do we achieve this? What makes for timeless design?

To keep your home looking great for years to come, choosing the right patterns to liven up your space is a cornerstone of design. And while some patterns have a quick and trendy expiration date—think of the chevron’s reign in the 2010s—others can evolve with the rest of your design.

“These patterns remain timeless because they’re visually balanced,” says Nadine Sakr, principal designer of Nadine Interiors. “They avoid exaggerated scale, awkward proportions, and trend-driven colours, which keeps them from feeling dated.”

Overall, subtle patterns are more likely to grow with trends rather than get stuck in a particular era. These might be classic styles, such as plaids and checks, or more contemporary patterns created through natural fibres like grasscloth or linen. 

3 timeless interior design patterns

Photography by Maxime Desbiens | Photography by Donna Griffith

1. Stripes

“Stripes are the simplest expression of balance,” says Keely Gow, designer and co-founder of JK Studio. “Whether a simple ticking stripe or a bold cabana print, the repetition of these elements is easily interpreted and blends seamlessly into so many different design styles.”

Thanks to the variety of striped patterns, it’s easy to play with scale when using them—the key to successfully combining patterns. 

2. Plaid

From classic wool blankets and chesterfield-style sofas to farmhouse wallpaper, plaid and checked patterns are an inviting classic for a reason. 

“The repetition of the horizontal and vertical elements while weaving in different colours makes plaid an ideal pattern to work in all different designs,” explains Gow. She loves combining a tightly-woven plaid wallpaper with subtle striping and florals to infuse character into a space. 

3. Nature-inspired patterns

Botanicals, leaves, earthy tones—nature-inspired patterns are a rising star in the design world. “As long as they mirror the structural patterning of, say, a plaid, where the elements are repeated over and over in a balanced way, they can become timeless,” says Gow.

Softer styles that echo classic design principles are more likely to go the distance.

“Today’s botanical patterns have been refined and feel calmer than older versions, and they have true long-term potential,” adds Sakr. 

How to use patterns in a timeless way 

Ensuring that patterns age alongside your design heavily relies upon how you use them. 

“To keep these patterns feeling timeless, I like to ground a space with classic foundational elements, like sofas, and use bolder or newer patterns in accents like pillows, drapery, or an occasional chair,” says Sakr. 

To combine patterns in a space, go for a varied scale. This keeps your design looking layered and curated. 
 

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